Penthouse Serenade

A new 19 track USA Capitol CD (72434 94504 2 4) includes the whole of Nat King Cole's piano album Penthouse Serenade plus the alternate take of I Surrender Dear. The first 8 tracks were recorded in Los Angeles on 18th July 1952 with Nat accompanied by John Collins (guitar) Charlie Harris (bass) Buddy Shawker (drums) plus Jack Constanzo (bongos) on 2 tracks. The other 5 were piano only tracks and were recorded in Los Angeles on 14th July 1955 when the original 10 inch LP was updated to a 12 inch LP. On these tracks Nat is accompanied by John Collins, Charlie Harris and Lee Young on drums.

All these 13 tracks have been previously issued on CD, principally on the Mosaic Set and in Japan, but the most appealing aspect of the CD is the 6 bonus tracks which are from a recently discovered recording session held on 2nd January 1952 in New York City for an MGM Charity Event.

These 6 tracks are all by the King Cole Trio consisting of Collins and Harris plus Jack Contanzo on 4 of the tracks. Two of these tracks, the two associated with the trio, (It's Only A Paper Moon and Too Marvellous For Words) have been previously issued. It's Only A Paper Moon on Capitol Sings Harold Arlen and Too Marvellous For Words on Spotlight On Nat King Cole.

It's the remaining four songs which hold the most interest in that although they are performed by the trio, they are all songs which we associate with an orchestral backing. The songs are That's My Girl, Unforgettable, Walkin' My Baby Back Home' and Too Young.

New TV Advertisements For Nat

Quality street (chocolate) will be using Nat's recording of On The Street Where You Live To publicise their product at Christmas, Valentines and Mothers Day, while Kingsmill bread will be plugging Nat's recording of Smile.

An Evening With Nat King Cole

A big surprise is the unexpected release (after 35 years) of a video of the BBC TV show made by Nat on his last visit here in 1963 titled An Evening With Nat King Cole. An even bigger surprise is the fact that it is issued in colour. The original show was shown in black and white, as was the repeat showing after Nat died. The many extracts used for the Arena programme The Unforgettable Nat King Cole were also in black and white, as was the showing of the programme at the National Film Theatre in September (see note elsewhere).

The programme showcases three of the facets of Nat's career. The first part presents Nat as the ultimate singer performing songs such as Unforgettable Here's That Rainy Day, Day In Day Out' and The Way You Look Tonight and backed by the Ted Heath orchestra. This is followed by Nat's Trio side featuring his Trio consisting of John Collins (guitar), Charlie Harris (Bass), Leon Petties (drums) and Reunald Jones (trumpet) plus his voice and his piano playing on items including Sweet Lorraine and It's Only A Paper Moon.

Finally Nat presents his all round entertainer act with songs like Ramblin' Rose, In The Good Old Summer Time and Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer again backed by the Ted Heath orchestra plus the Cliff Adams singers.

Some the items on the video are not mentioned on the sleeve. These are Nat singing But Beautiful and the presentation to Nat by Ted Heath (the band leader) for selling a million copies of When You belong To Me on the United Nations LP.

Highlights from the show for me are Nat singing Here's That Rainy Day and his wonderful piano playing on It's Only A Paper Moon. Two points I didn't understand from the sleeve notes are that it states that it was recorded in 1961 (when it was recorded in 1963) and that it was previously issued in 1996 (not here. USA perhaps?) the video is issued by vol (no VC 4140) and costs 14.99 UK pounds.

I wonder if the many requests to the BBC by KCC readers had anything to do with the release If so let's now try for the Night Lights CD.

The Nat King Cole Song Books

So what happened to the five Nat King Cole Song book CDs due to be issued in America in June?

According to Robert Rice the USA Correspondent for In Tune Magazine -

"EMI Capitol Entertainment Properties (The Capitol Department Responsible for Issuing the Song Book CDs) is no more. In a sweeping and drastic re structural move this all encompassing conglomerate ended its presence on 1st April 1998".

Robert goes onto say that he expects the Nat Cole Song Books and other CDs in the "Properties" Assembly line will still be issued eventually by other Capitol Departments (Shades of the Nat and Nelson CD Set!).

Jo Stafford -"Coming Back Like A Song"

Two of the four tracks Jo made with Nat are on her new CD on the Living Era Label (CDAJA 5268). The tracks are Baby Wont You Please Come Home and I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time. Also included among the 25 tracks is her send up of Temptation with Red Ingle.

Timeless Classics

Nat's Sweet Lorraine is one of the 50 tracks included on this budget priced double CD on the Avid Label (AMSC 629) other Artists include June Christy, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee etc.

King Cole Quiz No. 13

What do the following recordings by Nat King Cole have in common?

1. Exactly Like You
2. Warm And Willing.
3. I'm In The Mood For Love.
4. When My Sugar Walks Down The Street.
5. Love Me As Though There Were No Tomorrow.
6. Don't Blame Me
7. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
8. I'm Shooting High.
9. I Can't Give You Anything But Love.
10. On The Sunny Side Of The Street.
11. Too Young to Go Steady.

Answer to Quiz No 12 - the first letter of each song spells the name of a well known singer and pianist.

Pen Pals

Helen Shinzil would like to correspond with other collectors of Nat king Cole, particularly in the USA. Helen's address is:

KCC On the Internet

I gave the wrong reference last time for my daughter and son in law's (Laura and Simon) Web Site for KCC. It is simon_windisch@ibm.net

Since the last issue Laura and Simon now have their own issue, Nathan.

Nathan was so anxious to read the new KCC he arrived 3 months early.

Donations

As always many of you have been so generous with your donations of cash. cheques, stamps, LPs, Tapes. Videos and CDs as a contribution towards the costs of producing "KCC"

I prefer to keep this a free issue but to do this I am dependent upon your contributions.

Donations have recently been received from Frank Blaker, Chris Thatcher, Joseph Smyth. Claude Perrottet, Stan Macs, Ron Young (twice). David Lever, Sandra Bird, Ken Snell (twice), Duggie Malleappah. Michael Leach, James Scott, Mrs. Pichton, Barrie Wilson (twice). Michael Barber, Gordon Fowler, Brian Murrell, Don Angus (twice) and Robbie Robinson.

These are the people who keep "KCC" going. Sincere thanks to each one If I have missed anyone's name from the list, let me know and I will add it next time.

Class Cuts CD

New budget priced (£ 3) CD by Nat King Cole on the UK QED Label (QED 312). In it's Class Cuts Series includes the following interesting titles Black Spider Romp (Stomp) That Ain't Alright (Right) and This Will Make You Caught (Laugh).

Titled It's Only a Paper Moon it also includes among its 20 tracks How Does It Feel?, Slow Down, Come to Baby Do, You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You and Don't Cry, Cry Baby

Nat's New "Twofer"

Nat king Cole's' Fourth "Twofer" will be "Where Did Everyone Go". The coupling album is not yet decided but the only concept albums left to be put on CD are "Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer" and "Night Lights". Other major LPs under consideration for this and Nat's next "Twofer" include:-

• Looking Back
• This Is Nat King Cole
• Nat King Cole Sings The Great Songs
• Thank You Pretty Baby
• The Tenth Anniversary Album
• The Unreleased Nat king Cole

Mike McNally and Jo Brooks of UK EMI are pleased to hear what you think of Nat's previous "Twofers" and what you would like to see released on future CDs. Phone Mike or Jo on +44 (0)171-605-5000 or write to them at:- EMI House 43 Brook Green London W6 7EF

Nat Cole's Kings - No.8 Irving Ashby

Irving Ashby joined The King Cole Trio in October 1947 when he took over the guitar chair from the great Oscar Moore. He stayed with the Trio until August 1951.

During the time he was with The Trio he appeared on 214 recordings including the big sellers like Orange Coloured Sky, Portrait Of Jenny, and I Get Sentimental Over Nothing.

He also participated in the long running King Cole Trio Time radio show and appeared on the Snader Telescriptions.

Irving's individuality can best be heard on Return Trip, Top Hat flop, Last But Not Least and Bop Kick.

He was born in Massachusetts on 29th December 1920 and, prior to joining Nat, he had two main employers - Lionel Hampton and Uncle Sam.

After leaving The Trio, Irving toured extensively with Norman Granz and Jazz At The Philharmonic before becoming a guitar teacher.

Irvine Ashby died on 11 April 1987 at the age of 66.

Lost and Found

Michael Walshaw is coking for the Nat King Cole LP Where The Angels Have Gathered.

Ken Snail is looking for a video of The Nat King Cole Story.

Don Angus is looking for the Nat King Cole single Because Of Rain and the USA Capitol 45 of Your Voice.

Nat King Cole And Lester Young

A new French CD Lester Young - Volume 8 - Jan to April 1946 on the Master of Jazz Media 7 label (MJCD 136) includes the complete LP of the Lester Young Trio with Nat King Cole and Buddy Rich including the alternate take of I Cover The Waterfront.

It also comes with a 24 page booklet in French end English. All of these tracks were, of course released in 1994 on the Verve CD Lester Young Inc. (Verve 521 650 - 2)

Night Lights - The Album

In the last issue, in answer to some requests, I listed all the tracks that were recorded for the Night Lights album. I have to make it absolutely clear that this is an unreleased album.

It has never been released. Not on CD or LP. It's never been released in America. It's never been released in the UK. It's never been issued anywhere.

Nor do I know of any plans for Capitol to release it - ever. All we can do is hope and request its release by contacting Capitol or EMI.

An Evening With Nat King Cole At The NFT

On Tuesday 22nd September 1998 the National Film Theatre in London screened the 1963 BBC TV show An Evening With Nat King Cole (in black and white) in their season of Vocal Legends.

Other artists featured during The Five Night Season were Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Liza Minneli, Marlene Dietrich, Tony Bennet, Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

If you want a copy of the three page leaflet on the series issued by the NFT, let me know, and I'll send it with the next "KCC".

Jazz For Lovers

A series of compilation CDs by an Italian Company Cameo titled Jazz For Lovers includes some tracks by Nat King Cole.

Volume One (No 3625) includes You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You and the Capitol recording of Sweet Lorraine.

Volume Two (No 3626) includes I'm Through With Love and For Sentimental Reasons.

Volume Three (No 3627) includes Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.

New German CD Of Nat With Lionel Hampton

Four tracks featuring Nat king Cole are on a new German CD tiled Jazz Greats - Lionel Hampton. Titles by Nat on this track CD are Sue Because of You, Jivin' With Jarvis, Central Avenue Breakdown and Jack The Bellboy. Catalogue number is 74321 49965 2.

Nat King Cole's 80th Anniversary

Long time Nat King Cole admirer Steven Harris of Paradena USA, is attempting to arrange a celebration of Nat's life to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of his birth.

This event is being lined up to take place at the Monrovia Hotel in Pasadena in March 1999.

Intended items include films of Nat King Cole, Nat's music played by his contemporaries, a panel talking about and answering questions on Nat comprising of people like Lee Young. Billy May and Pete Rugolo etc, plus a meal.

Although this is only a one day event, if enough people from the UK were interested we could extend the scope of the visit to include a visit to a club where Nat performed, a visit to Nat's mausoleum at Forest Lawns plus a visit to the big CD stores, a look at Capitol Records' building on Hollywood and Vine, and a walk up Hollywood Boulevard where the stars' names are embedded in the pavement.

If anyone is interested in making this visit, please contact me to discuss dates and prices.

The Ultimate Nat King Cole

A new CD due for UK Release by EMI in February will include all Nat's major hits, Stardust, When I fall In Love etc.

Natalie Cole Fan Club

For anyone interested in Natalie Cole there is a Fan Club at:
P.0. Box 67991, Los Angeles, California 90067, USA

Goodbye Terry Freshwater

Sadly I have to report the passing of that greater collector of all things relating to Nat King Cole - Terry Freshwater.

Long before King Cole Comments Terry would write or telephone me giving me enthusiastic support, advice, information and encouragement in the preparation of my books on Nat King Cole, and on their completion he wrote very informative and knowledgeable reviews on the books in various magazine. He also contributed some very authorative articles to KCC.

Sincere condolences to his family - he will be greatly missed

Recent CDs By Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole - Biography

A new 17 track CD issued by American Capitol is tiled Nat King Cole - Biography A Musical Anthology.

The contents are basically standard Nat Cole fair split between King Cole Trio classics such as Route 66, Sweet Lorraine, Straighten Up And Fly Right and Embraceable You and vocal classics such as Unforgettable, Mona Lisa, The Party's Over and Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer.

However, making the CD a little different is the inclusion of some extracts from an early 1960s Nat King Cole Radio Show with Nat playing and introducing his own records. The three songs from this show are When You're Smiling, I Remember You (introduced by Nat and some chat by him at end of record) and Smile (again introduced by Nat). In addition, Nat opens the CD with the start of one of his early TV Shows from 1957 in which he introduces Count Basie and plays an extract of the Count playing Cute There is also some amusing and informative studio chat prior to the playing of Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer and Non Dementicar, but probably the best thing about this issue is the packaging. In addition to the normal CD case there is an outer cardboard case with a window through to a photo of Nat in the original case, plus there is an interesting 16 page booklet with some new photos of Nat.

One thing I did find strange in the booklet was the erroneous statement that Frank Sinatra appeared on Nat's TV series although I do agree with songwriter Buddy Desilva's quote that "If Nat Cole were white he'd be bigger than Sinatra and Crosby".

Jazz At The Philharmonic

In November, USA Verve are releasing a 10 CD boxed set called The Complete Jazz At The Philharmonic On Verve 1944 - 1949. Featured Artists include Nat King Cole and there are two hours of previously released material, but it's not known whether any of the unissued material is by Nat.

Other Artists on this set include Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gilespie, Charlie Parker and many others.

Anita O'Day and Nat King Cole

The five tracks that Anita O'Day made singing with the King Cole Trio in 1944 (Ain't Misbehavin', Penthouse Serenade, The Lonesome Road, I Cant Give You anything But Love, and Rosetta) have resurfaced on a Canadian issued CD by Baldwin Street Music (BJH 302) Titled Anita O'Day - The complete Recordings 1949/50. I'ts an odd title considering the recordings with Nat were made in 1944, however there's some nice solo work by Nat on Piano, particularly on The Lonesome Road and by Oscar Moore on Guitar on Penthouse Serenade and I Can't Give You Anything But Love.

These tracks are not new to CD, having already been issued by Laserlight and by Music and Arts (Thanks for the info Maurice).

King Cole Snippets

• Dear Lonely Hearts / I Don't Want To Be Hurt Anymore listed at No 5 in Tower Records list of best selling CDs.
• In a recent channel 4 episode of Ally McBeal, a man sends a copy of Nat singing He'll Have To Go to his married lover.
• Still no sign of Nat and Nelson CD set being released.
• Dotted through this KCC (and probably future KCCs) are some pages from a Dutch booklet on Nat King Cole in the mid 1950s and given to me by my friend Pete Venudor
• 83 different CDs available at London's HMV shop plus 74 at Virgin
• Nat's recording of A Blossom Fell played during the film Three Wishes starring Patrick Swaze
• Queries if the second version of Stardust on the reissue CD of Love Is The Thing is an alternate choice. I've voice checked the two versions and can't detect any difference, but there are a few seconds difference in the running time.

Nat King Cole and Dean Martin

A pretty innocuous CD issued by UK EM Gold (7234 4 96843 2 4.) In their back 2 back series features 9 tracks by Nat King Cots and 9 tracks by Dean Martin. None of Nat's and Dean's duets are included. Nothing startling among the tracks:- Route 66, Ballerina, Around The World, For All We Know, The Continental, Autumn Leaves, The More I See You, Stay As Sweet As You Are and Your Cheatin' Heart. Price is around £7

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